Cosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratin materials

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratin materials, including a number n of fibers borne by a support member that are separable from the support member during the attachment, the n fibers having a portion extending in front of the support member before the separation of the support member, and the n fibers including at least one group of at most m fibers connected together outside the support member, with m&lt;n and m&gt;1.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator for attachingfibers to human keratin materials, in particular to the eyelashes, theeyebrows, the hair fibers, the skin, the eyelids, the scalp. Theinvention also relates to a method for attaching fibers to an area ofhuman keratin materials.

PRIOR ART

Many people want to give their eyes greater impact, and to do that,increase the number of eyelashes. Solutions exist such as strips offalse eyelashes or small strands of false eyelashes. However, thesesolutions give an artificial appearance.

Another solution consists in going to a specialized institute in orderto have individual fibers stuck on. The operator attaches a firsteyelash, using tweezers and a first fiber at the end of which she puts adrop of quick-setting glue (generally ethyl cyanoacrylate). She bringsthe fiber into contact with another eyelash, waits for the glue to setand then releases the tweezers. The attachment of a fiber takes around 1minute. Thus, to attach 50 fibers to each row of eyelashes, theoperation lasts around 2 hours. The treatment is arduous for theoperator who must concentrate for 2 hours. It is also very expensivebecause of the time spent. Thus, this solution is not suitable for manypeople, who have neither the time nor the means to undertake it.

Furthermore, another problem may arise for the case of attaching curvedfibers. Specifically, when the individual fibers are deposited on theeyelashes, if these fibers are curved, they may turn around and be gluedto the row of eyelashes without any alignment with the eyelashes. Evenif the fibers are parallel to one another, they are not parallel to thenatural eyelashes. The result obtained is unattractive.

EP 2 891 420 relates to a device for dispensing artificial eyelashes,comprising a housing equipped with a dispensing region, a carrier towhich a plurality of artificial eyelashes is fixed, a movement mechanismcapable of being actuated to cause movement of the carrier in order toconvey the artificial eyelashes towards the dispensing region and toallow the artificial eyelashes to exit through said dispensing region,said eyelashes being oriented transversely to an axis of extension ofthe carrier, at least when they are passing through said dispensingregion.

WO 2013/171232 relates to a device for dispensing artificial eyelashes,including a housing provided with a dispensing opening, a carrying striponto which a plurality of artificial eyelash units are attached, and amovement mechanism capable of being actuated to cause the strip to movein order to convey the artificial eyelash units toward the dispensingopening and enable the artificial eyelash units to exit through thedispensing opening.

There is a need to have a quick and inexpensive solution for attachingfibers to human keratin materials which makes it possible to positionthe fibers substantially aligned with the neighboring human keratinfibers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicator

The present invention thus relates, according to one aspect, to acosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratin materials,comprising a number n of fibers borne by a support member so as to beable to separate, from the support member during the attachment, these nfibers having a portion extending in front of the support member beforethe separation of the support member, these n fibers comprising at leastone group of at most m fibers connected together outside the supportmember, with m<n and m>1.

Owing to the invention, there is an applicator that makes it possible togroup at least one portion of the fibers into groups of at least twofibers connected together. This makes it possible to prevent the fibersfrom turning around during the attachment. The fibers deposited can thusbe aligned with the natural fibers, for example the eyelashes.

The m fibers are preferably connected together at their end.

At least two of the m fibers can be connected together by gluing,welding or melting.

At least two of m fibers can be formed by folding a single filament. Inthis case, the filament just needs to be folded in order to obtain agroup of two fibers.

In at least one group, the fibers may be connected together by anelement external to the fibers. This external element is then added tothe fibers of the group in order to connect them. It may be a U-shapedlink, to the arms of which the fibers of the group are attached.

The number m of fibers in at least one group, better still in eachgroup, is preferably exactly equal to two. In this case and in the casewhere the fibers are connected together at their end, the shape of eachgroup of two fibers may have a V shape, the connection between the twofibers being point-shaped at the connected end of the fibers, or a Ushape with a non-point-shaped connection at the connected end of thefibers.

In exemplary embodiments, the number m of fibers in the at least onegroup is comprised between 2 and 10.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator comprises a number n of fibersborne temporarily by a support member; these n fibers have a portionextending in front of the support member when borne by the supportmember; these n fibers comprise several groups of at most m fibersconnected together in each group outside the support member, with m<nand m>1; the groups are only linked together by the support member andmay adhere to said human keratin materials by at least one bonded end ofthe fibers.

At least one portion of the fibers may have a nonzero curvature. Inparticular, all the fibers may have a nonzero curvature.

At least two fibers, in particular within the same group, may havedifferent nonzero curvatures. Conversely, at least two fibers, inparticular within the same group, may have similar nonzero curvatures.

At least one portion of the fibers may have zero curvature and bestraight.

The bonded ends of two groups of fibers may intersect.

The bonded ends of the groups are preferably aligned on a line, whichcan be straight or curvilinear, or on a plane which can be planar orcurved.

The unbonded ends of at least two of the m fibers are advantageouslykept at least 1 mm apart from one another on the support member. In thiscase, and when the fibers are connected together by an element externalto the fibers, and when they have similar nonzero curvatures, then theyare substantially parallel to one another, the external element makingit possible to spread out the connected ends of the fibers by the samedistance as the separation distance of the fibers at the unbonded endsthereof.

The distance between the unbonded ends of the fibers when they are borneby the support member is preferably substantially the same as thedistance between the unbonded ends of the fibers after attachment to thehuman keratin materials.

The groups are preferably only linked together by the support member.

The support member may temporarily retain the fibers by a mechanicalsystem comprising one or more parts that can be moved relative to oneanother, the mechanical system being configured to move from afiber-retaining configuration to a fiber-releasing configuration, theforce to be exerted on these fibers in order to release them from theapplication member being greater in the retaining configuration than inthe releasing configuration.

As a variant, the support member of the fibers comprises at least onechannel into which a fiber is inserted, this channel being defined by atleast one portion that, in cross section, entirely surrounds the fiberand has at least one end-of-travel stop that limits the insertion of thefiber.

Method

Another subject of the invention, according to another aspect, is amethod for attaching fibers to an area of human keratin materials, usinga cosmetic applicator as defined above, the method comprising thefollowing steps:

-   -   a) applying a first adhesive composition to at least one portion        of the fibers and/or to said area,    -   b) bringing at least one group of fibers borne by the support        member into contact with said area,    -   c) moving the support member away from said area so that the        fibers adhere to said area.

Said area is for example constituted by keratin fibers such aseyelashes, eyebrows, body hair, hair fibers, and/or by the eyelid, theskin of the face, the scalp or the skull.

The at least one group may adhere to said area by at least one bondedend of the fibers.

The method may further comprise the step consisting in applying a secondadhesive composition to at least one portion of the fibers adhering tosaid area.

All the steps of the method can be carried out by the user, which is anadvantage in terms of cost. Another advantage of the invention lies inthe fact that the operation can be carried out by an expert since,despite the additional cost that this imposes, the long wear propertyobtained (which may for example extend to 15 days) makes it possible tokeep the cost at a moderate level, relative to the time that the resultlasts.

The method may comprise the step consisting in drying the first adhesivecomposition after step a) of applying the first adhesive composition. Inthis case, the drying step may have a duration of between 30 s and 20min, in particular between 1 min and 10 min, or even between 1 min and 5min. Step b) may be carried out only after the at least partial dryingof the first adhesive composition.

The method may comprise the step consisting in combing at least oneportion of the fibers adhering to said area, if need be, during thesetting of the second adhesive composition.

The method may comprise the step consisting in depositing a makeupcomposition on the eyelashes and/or eyebrows of said area and the addedfibers, in particular a mascara. This step advantageously takes place atthe end of the method, after attachment of the fibers.

The method may comprise the step consisting in curling all or some ofthe eyelashes and/or eyebrows of said area and the added fibers, inparticular using a heating device. This step advantageously takes placeat the end of the method, after attachment of the fibers, for examplejust after applying the second adhesive composition, if need be.

In the implementation of the method according to the invention, thefibers, the first adhesive composition, the second adhesive compositionand the applicator may be as defined below.

Assembly

Another subject of the present invention, according to another of itsaspects, is an assembly for carrying out the method as defined above,comprising, in particular within one and the same packaging device, thefirst adhesive composition, the cosmetic applicator and optionally thesecond adhesive composition.

The assembly may further comprise at least one of the followingaccessories: a mascara applicator, an eyelash curler, an eyelash and/oreyebrow comb or any other care or makeup accessory for eyelashes oreyebrows.

The assembly may be contained in one and the same packaging that ishermetically sealed before use.

In the assembly according to the invention, the fibers, the firstadhesive composition, the second adhesive composition and the applicatormay be as defined below.

Fibers

The term “fiber” should be understood according to the invention asmeaning an object of length L and of diameter D such that L is greaterthan D and preferably very much greater than D, D being the diameter ofthe circle in which the greatest cross section of the fiber isinscribed. In particular, the ratio L/D (or aspect ratio) is chosen inthe range of values from 3.5 to 2500, preferably from 10 to 1000, betterstill from 20 to 500.

The fibers may be chosen from natural fibers and synthetic fibers, inparticular polyamide, for example Nylon®, fibers.

The fibers may be inorganic or organic. They may be long, or short,individual or organized, for example braided, and hollow or solid. Theymay have any shape, for example curved or substantially rectilinear,preferably curved. They may in particular have a cross section that iscircular or polygonal (square, hexagonal or octagonal). In particular,their unbonded end may be blunted and/or smoothed to prevent injury.

The fibers may be those used in the manufacture of textiles, inparticular silk fibers, cotton fibers, wool fibers, flax fibers,cellulose fibers extracted in particular from wood, from plants or fromalgae, rayon fibers, polyamide (Nylon®) fibers, viscose fibers, acetatefibers, in particular rayon acetate fibers, acrylic polymer fibers, inparticular polymethyl methacrylate fibers, or poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) fibers, polyolefin fibers and in particular polyethyleneor polypropylene fibers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers,polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) fibers, glass fibers, silica fibers,carbon fibers, in particular carbon fibers in the form of graphite,polytetrafluoroethylene (such as Teflon®) fibers, insoluble collagenfibers, polyester fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers or polyvinylidenechloride fibers, poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers,chitosan fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyethylene phthalate fibers, orfibers formed from a mixture of polymers such as those mentioned above,for example polyamide/polyester fibers.

The fibers may be human fibers.

Moreover, the fibers may be surface-treated and/or covered with aprotective layer or a layer intended to give them a color.

Use may be made of flame-retardant acrylic fibers of the “Kanekalon”brand.

The fibers are for example those sold under the reference Minke-propsSKINTEX Flock ref. 590502.

It is possible to use identical fibers or, as a variant, a mixture offibers that differ from one another in terms of their length, theircross section, their material, their shape and/or their cross section.The use of fibers with different lengths may impart greater naturalness.The same goes for a mixture of colors. In one particular embodiment, theapplicator may have a mixture of fibers of different colors. The colorsof the fibers may be mixed in an organized or random manner. Differentcolors or combinations of colors in the fibers may be employed withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Fibers that produce specialeffects, such as transparent fibers and/or shiny fibers, may also beincluded. This may create novel esthetic effects on the eyelashes.

The fibers may have a length of between about 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

The fibers have for example a largest diameter of between about 20 μmand 200 μm, in particular between about 50 and 200 μm. The diameter mayor may not be constant along the fiber. The fibers may have a taperedshape.

The weight or yarn count of the fibers is generally given in denier ordecitex and represents the weight in grams per 9 km of yarn. The fibershave for example a unitary yarn count of between 0.1 and 100 denier,preferably between 1 and 70 denier, and better still between 5 and 60denier.

Applicator

The applicator is advantageously configured so that the support membertemporarily retains the groups of fibers before attaching them. Thesupport member is provided so that the fibers it bears adhere to thefirst adhesive composition when in contact therewith and detach from thesupport member.

Applicator Comprising at Least One Channel

The applicator comprises a support member temporarily bearing at leastone group of fibers to be attached to human keratin materials, inparticular for filling out and/or lengthening eyelashes and/or eyebrows.The support member may comprise at least one channel into which a fiberof a group is inserted, this channel being defined by at least oneportion that, in cross section, entirely surrounds the fiber and has atleast one end-of-travel stop that limits the insertion of the fiber.

In this case, the applicator advantageously comprises a plurality ofchannels, at least some of which accommodate a fiber, in particularbetween 2 and 50 channels, better still between 10 and 50 channels. Theapplicator may comprise a plurality of channels, only some of whichaccommodate a fiber, as desired depending on the areas of eyelashes oreyebrows to be filled out or lengthened. As a variant, all the channelsaccommodate a fiber.

The internal diameter of each channel is preferably greater than alargest diameter of the fiber that it contains. Preferably, the ratioD_(c)/D_(f) between the diameter D_(c) of the channel and the largestdiameter D_(f) of the fiber is between 1.5 and 10. When the ratioD_(c)/D_(f) is greater than 10, the applicator preferably has a meansfor holding each fiber. This holding means makes it possible for thefibers not to slide in an uncontrolled manner in the channels. Theholding means may have a narrowed portion of the channel such that, atthe narrowed portion, the ratio D_(c)/D_(f) is less than 10. The holdingmeans may also have an activatable system that grips the fibers in apart of the channel. The holding means may also have a non-stickmaterial disposed in the channel, along all or part of its length.

The channels may be formed in an elastomeric material, in particular amaterial with a Shore A hardness of 0 to 50, preferably of 8 to 40.

The elastomeric material gives the applicator flexibility such that auser can grip or deform the applicator in order to hold the fibers, thenrelease the pressure or the torsion in order to allow the fibers to moveand leave their respective channels. The elastomeric material can bechosen from the group consisting of a silicone such as Platsil Gelsilicone from the company Polytec, rubbers derived from vinylpolymerization with crosslinking, thermoplastic elastomer polymers TPEs,constituted generally of chains having two blocks such as polyurethaneTPEs (with an isocyanate block and an ether/ester block), TPE-Es (with apolyester block and a polyether block), TPE-Cs (with a polyamide blockand a polyether block), TPE-Ss (with a styrene block and a polybutadieneor polyisoprene or polyethylene block). Such a material makes itadvantageously possible to obtain a feel with a non-stick effect, thisretaining at least a little of the fiber in the channel, such that itdoes not slide accidentally out of the channel, without otherwiserequiring adhesive for this retention. This retention is preferablyentirely relative, making it possible to easily remove the fiber fromthe channel when desired.

At least one channel may be closed, in cross section, along its entirelength.

At least one channel may be open, in cross section, along a portion ofits length less than its total length and around a portion of itscircumference less than its total circumference.

At least some of the channels may have the same shape. In particular,all the channels of the applicator may have the same shape.

At least some of the channels may have different shapes.

The channels may or may not have the shape of the fibers. If the ratioD_(c)/D_(f) is less than 3, the channels preferably have the same shapeas the fibers. On the other hand, if the ratio D_(c)/D_(f) is greaterthan 10, the channels preferably have a different shape from that of thefibers. The difference in shape may hold the fibers so as to preventthem from sliding naturally, in particular under the effect of gravity.

The channels may be defined by tubes. In this case, the applicatorpreferably has at least one link connecting the tubes together. Thislink constitutes for example a flexible articulation between the tubesso as to make it possible to modify the orientation of a tube withrespect to an adjacent tube. As a variant, the link is realized so as tolimit the movement between the tubes, or even to prevent movementbetween the tubes. The link may make it possible to join the tubestogether by snap-fastening.

In one particular embodiment, the channels are formed in a monolithicpart. The end-of-travel stop may be formed by a portion of this part.

Each channel preferably accommodates a single fiber of a group, when itaccommodates one.

The fiber(s) may protrude from the channel, through an open outletthereof, by a length greater than or equal to 1 mm, it being possiblefor this length to be different for two different fibers. The connectionbetween fibers of the same group of fibers is formed in this lengthoutside of the channel.

The channels are disposed for example in a fan shape, in particular whenthey are formed in a monolithic part or when they are formed by tubesthat are connected together.

The end-of-travel stop may be movable relative to the outlet of thechannel through which the fiber emerges. The end-of-travel stop isformed for example by a portion of a monolithic part in which thechannels are formed, as mentioned above. It may be adjustable, ifappropriate.

The applicator may have several channels that are substantiallyidentical to one another and distributed uniformly, for example disposedin a fan shape, each channel accommodating a fiber. This configurationis particularly recommended for rows of eyelashes that are sparse interms of eyelashes.

For incomplete rows of eyelashes, with one or more bare areas, theapplicator can be in different forms. For example, the applicator mayhave a width such that it only covers a part of the row of eyelashes. Asa variant, the applicator may cover the entire row with a plurality ofchannels, only some of which contain a fiber, however, next to one ormore bare areas of the row of eyelashes. Alternatively, the applicatormay cover the entire row with a plurality of channels, each of which isfilled with a fiber, the applicator having a means for making only thefibers that will be added to the row, at the bare areas of the row,protrude from the channels. As a variant, the applicator may cover theentire row with a plurality of channels, each of which is filled with afiber, the applicator having a means for preventing the channels thatwill not be next to a bare area of the row of eyelashes from beingfreed. In another variant, the applicator may cover the entire row witha plurality of channels, each of which is filled with a fiber, theapplicator having a means for preventing the fibers that will not benext to a bare area of the row of eyelashes from being freed. Among themeans that can be used to prevent this release, it is possible to blockthe fibers by gripping the fibers for example, or by introducing a dotof glue into the tubes. In another embodiment, the applicator may coverthe entire row with a number of channels limited to those that will benext to a bare area of the row of eyelashes during the implementation ofthe process.

Fiber-Retaining Applicator

As a variant, the support member of the applicator may temporarilyretain groups of fibers, in particular by gluing, by friction or by amechanical system.

Such a mechanical system may comprise one or more parts that can bemoved relative to one another, for example the arms of tweezers or theturns of a spring, the mechanical system being configured to move from afiber-retaining configuration to a configuration for releasing fibers ofgroups, the force to be exerted on these fibers in order to release themfrom the applicator being greater in the retaining configuration than inthe releasing configuration.

The mechanical system comprises for example a spring that grips thefibers between its turns, in the retaining configuration, the springbeing able to be stretched in order to open the turns and release thefibers. The fibers may be retained between the turns of the spring, thefibers being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thespring. The spring may be manually activated between the retaining andreleasing configurations. The spring may comprise ends attached tomanually-activated actuating levers. As a variant, the spring iscompressed or released along its longitudinal axis which may be thelongitudinal axis of the applicator, the applicator comprising forexample a push button and two stops near the two ends of the spring, onestop preferably being movable along the longitudinal axis during theactuation of the push button, the other stop preferably being immobile.

As a variant, the fibers may be retained on the applicator by at leastone material, the mechanical strength of which is degraded by astimulus, the method consisting in subjecting the applicator to thisstimulus so as to reduce the force to be exerted on the fibers in orderto release them from the applicator, the exposure to the stimulus takingplace before and/or during the contact of the fibers with the firstadhesive composition present on the eyelashes or eyebrows or hairfibers. The stimulus is for example thermal, said material thenpreferably comprising a wax, in particular beeswax, candelilla wax orparaffin wax. As a variant, the stimulus is chemical and comprises theexposure of the applicator to a solvent of said material, preferablywater.

The fibers may be placed on the applicator by an electrostatic flockingmethod.

The fibers may detach completely from the applicator during theimplementation of the method. As a variant, the fibers may comprise abase at the first end portion that remains trapped by the applicator anda releasable portion that is released. In this case, the fibers maycomprise a predefined area that is mechanically weakened or sensitive toa stimulus that makes it possible to mechanically weaken it, inparticular a thermal or chemical stimulus, the force to be exerted inorder to give rise to the separation of the releasable portion from theroot being lower than the adhesive force for adhesion of the releasableportion to the first adhesive composition. The predefined area may belocated at the same location along the length of the fiber for all thefibers. As a variant, this is not the case, which makes it possible,after release, to have fibers of variable length, capable of impartingdifferent esthetic effects to the eyelashes.

The fibers may be retained on the applicator by a multiple holdingsystem, comprising a first holding system that releases the fibers foran exerted force lower than the adhesive force for adhesion of thefibers to the first adhesive composition, and a second holding systemthat ensures, when combined with the first, the retention of the fibersup to a force greater than the adhesive force for adhesion of the fibersto the first adhesive composition, the second system being modifiedduring the use of the applicator for applying the fibers to the firstadhesive composition so as to bring the force to be exerted in order togive rise to the release of the fibers to a value lower than theadhesive force for adhesion of the fibers to the first adhesivecomposition. The modification may comprise the exposure of the secondholding system to a thermal or chemical stimulus.

The applicator may retain the fibers so that the latter detach from theapplicator when a tensile force equal to 15 mN, or even equal to 20 mN,is exerted thereon.

First Adhesive Composition

The first adhesive composition is advantageously provided to allow theadhesion of the fibers to an area of human keratin materials such as theskin, the eyelid, the scalp or to the keratin fibers.

The first adhesive composition is advantageously suitable forapplication to the eyelashes and eyelids, the skin, the scalp, and alsofor cosmetic use.

The first adhesive composition comprises or is constituted of anadhesive material.

Within the meaning of the present invention, the term “material” means apolymer or a polymeric system that may comprise one or more polymers ofdifferent natures. This adhesive material may be in the form of apolymer solution or a dispersion of polymer particles in a solvent. Thisadhesive material may also contain a plasticizer. This adhesive materialmust have a certain tackiness defined by its viscoelastic properties.

The adhesive materials according to the invention may for example bechosen from pressure sensitive adhesives, for instance those cited inthe “Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology”, 3rd edition,D. Satas.

The adhesive material may be chosen from acrylic polymers or copolymers.

The pressure sensitive adhesive materials may be chosen from acrylicpolymers, in particular copolymers of acrylate and methacrylate,pressure sensitive adhesives based on rubber or based on styrenecopolymers, such as styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) andstyrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers, for example.

Examples of acrylic copolymers that may be suitable are availablecommercially under the brands EASTAREZ 2010, 2020 and 2050 (EastmanChemical Co.), ACRONAL V210 (BASF), MOWILITH LDM 7255, REVACRYL 491(Clariant) and FLEXBOND 165 (Air Products). As a preferred example ofacrylic copolymers, the use of the acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylatecopolymer sold by DAITO KASEI KOGYO under the name Daitosol 5500GM maybe mentioned.

The first adhesive composition may be chosen from the adhesivecomposition for eyelashes from the DUO® eyelash adhesive range, sold byAmerican International Industries, and Daitosol 5500 GM from DAITO KASEIKOGYO.

Commercial examples of polymeric rubbers that may be suitable are knownunder the brands RICON 130 polybutadiene (Atofina Sartomer) and ISOLENE40 polyisoprene (Elementis).

Examples of polyurethane-based adhesives that may be suitable areavailable under the brands SANCURE 2104 (Noveon) and VYLON UR 1400(Toyobo Vylon).

Examples of vinyl acetate copolymers that may be suitable are availablecommercially under the brands PVP/VA 6-630 (International SpecialtyProducts) and FLEXBOND 149 (Air Products).

Examples of vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymers are availablecommercially under the brands CELVOL 107 (Celanese) and ELVANOL 50-42(DuPont).

Mention may also be made of the block or statistical copolymerscomprising at least one monomer or a combination of monomers of whichthe resulting polymer has a glass transition temperature lower thanambient temperature (25° C.), these monomers or combinations of monomersbeing able to be chosen from butadiene, ethylene, propylene, isoprene,isobutylene, a silicone, and mixtures thereof. Examples of suchmaterials are block polymers of the styrene-butadiene-styrene,styrene-(ethylene-butylene)-styrene or styrene-isoprene-styrene type,such as those sold under the trade names “Kraton” from Kraton or“Vector” from Dexco Polymers.

The adhesive materials according to the invention may also comprisetackifying resins, such as rosins or rosin derivatives such ashydrogenated rosins, rosin esters, hydrogenated rosin esters, terpenes,aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon-based resins, phenolic resins, styreneresins and coumarone-indene resins. Mention will also be made of thecompounds such as shellac, sandarac gum, dammar resins, elemi gum, copalresins, benzoin, and gum mastic.

The silicone resins, which are crosslinked polyorganosiloxane polymers,may also be mentioned.

The nomenclature of silicone resins is known under the name “MDTQ”, theresin being described depending on the different siloxane monomer unitsthat it comprises, each of the letters M, D, T and Q characterizing atype of unit.

Among these resins, mention may be made in particular of thesiloxysilicate resins, which may be trimethylsiloxysilicates of formula[(CH₃)₃XSiXO]_(x)X(SiO_(4/2))_(y) (MQ units) in which x and y areintegers ranging from 50 to 80, lipodispersible film-forming polymers inthe form of non-aqueous dispersions of polymer particles, also referredto as NADs.

Use may be made, as non-aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic film-formingpolymer, of dispersions of particles of a grafted ethylenic polymer,preferably an acrylic polymer, in a liquid oily phase for example, inthe form of surface-stabilized particles dispersed in the liquid fattyphase. The dispersion of surface-stabilized polymer particles may bemanufactured as described in the document WO 04/055081.

Mention may also be made of dispersions of C₁-C₄ alkyl (meth)acrylatepolymer particles stabilized by a stabilizing agent chosen fromisobornyl (meth)acrylate polymers, as described in the document WO2015/091513.

Use may also be made of UV reactive adhesives.

As examples, use may be made of the (acrylic latex) adhesive Cream Blend331 from Pros-Aide or the (soluble sulfopolyester polymer) adhesiveAQ1350 from Eastman Chemical.

Application of the First Adhesive Composition

The adhesive composition may be applied in the form of a continuous filmon the eyelashes, eyebrows, hair fibers, and/or on the eyelid, thescalp, the skin, in particular when the density of the fibers on theapplicator is not too high.

As a variant, the first adhesive composition is applied by creatingnon-adhesive areas between the adhesive areas, which makes it possibleto control the density and the distribution of the fibers that remainattached to the eyelashes, eyebrows or hair fibers.

Use may be made of an adhesive applicator that transfers the firstadhesive composition. In particular, the assembly according to theinvention may comprise an adhesive applicator for applying the firstadhesive composition to the eyelashes. In this case, the adhesiveapplicator comprises for example a flocked end piece. The adhesiveapplicator may be shaped to match that of the roots of the eyelashes. Inthis particular case, the hand movement is simple, since all that isnecessary is to move the adhesive applicator into the vicinity of therow of eyelashes and then allow contact in order to deposit adhesivematerial on the root of the eyelashes. The adhesive applicator may alsocomprise for example a pen that dispenses the first adhesive compositionor an applicator that cooperates with a container containing the firstadhesive composition, for example an applicator provided with a finebrush or with a flocked thermoplastic end piece.

Second Adhesive Composition

The second adhesive composition may be chosen from the group consistingof glues, in particular glues that react without the need to create amixture, such as alkyl cyanoacrylate, with it being possible for thealkyl to be an ethyl or octyl (such as n-octyl or 2-octyl) or butyl(such as isobutyl) group, solvent glues, for example isoprene, or glueswith mixing at the time of use, such as two-component glues, forinstance involving an epoxide-functional resin and a polymerizing agent,such as 1,4,7,10-tetraazadecane, or the glues used with a thermalactivation, in particular wax and in particular esters of acid and cetylalcohol or glues based on a polymer with a crosslinkable function suchas free methacrylate or free acrylate.

The glues may be used in packagings that allow premature setting, inparticular the reactive glues.

The second adhesive composition is preferably chosen from glues ofcyanoacrylate type and derivatives, for example an (alkyl) cyanoacrylateglue, in particular an alkyl cyanoacrylate with a C₂-C₈ alkyl chain, forexample of ethyl, (iso)butyl or octyl cyanoacrylate type.

The second adhesive composition preferably comprises a cyanoacrylatetype glue, for example tinted black.

The second adhesive composition is for example Loctite Super-glue 3Power Flex gel, based on ethyl cyanoacrylate sold by Henkel, orDermabond glue based on octyl cyanoacrylate sold by Ethicon.

The second adhesive composition is advantageously deposited on a firstportion of the length of the fibers, preferably less than half thelength of the fibers, on the side where the fibers adhere to the keratinmaterials, for example to the natural eyelashes or to the eyelid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be understood better from reading the followingdescription of nonlimiting embodiments thereof, and with reference tothe attached drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows, in perspective, an example of an applicatoraccording to the invention,

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a group of fibers for anapplicator, for example for the applicator of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 schematically shows the implementation of a step of the methodaccording to the invention,

FIG. 4 schematically shows the implementation of another step of themethod according to the invention,

FIG. 5 is a photograph illustrating an eyelid and eyelashes fitted withfibers after implementation of the method according to the invention,

FIG. 6 schematically shows another example of a group of fibers for anapplicator according to the invention,

FIG. 7 schematically shows, in perspective, another example of anapplicator according to the invention, comprising groups of fibersaccording to FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 schematically shows, in perspective, another example of anapplicator according to the invention, comprising groups of fibersaccording to FIG. 6,

FIG. 9 schematically shows, in side view, another example of anapplicator according to the invention, comprising groups of fibersaccording to FIG. 6,

FIG. 10 schematically shows, in perspective, another example of anapplicator according to the invention, comprising groups of fibersaccording to FIG. 6,

FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of an assembly according to theinvention,

FIG. 12 schematically shows, partially and in perspective, anotherexample of an applicator according to the invention,

FIG. 13 schematically shows, partially and in perspective, anotherexample of an applicator according to the invention, and

FIG. 14 schematically shows, partially and in perspective, anotherexample of an applicator according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the rest of the description, identical elements or elements havingequivalent functions bear the same reference signs. Their description isnot repeated for each of the figures, only the main differences betweenthe embodiments being indicated.

FIG. 1 illustrates an applicator 1 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, for attaching fibers to human keratinmaterials, in particular the eyelashes, the eyebrows, the hair fibersand/or the eyelids, the skin of the face, the skull or the scalp.

The support member 10 of the applicator 1 has at least one channel 30into which a fiber 2 is inserted. In this example, the support member 10comprises several channels 30 which are substantially identical to oneanother and distributed uniformly, each channel 30 comprising a fiber 2.The support member 10 forms a monolithic part, made of elastomericmaterial, of substantially trapezoidal shape, with the channels 30arranged in a fan. The support member 10 internally comprises hollowsthat form the channels 30 and forms end-of-travel stops 50 at the end ofthe channels 30, inside the support member 10 that limit the insertionof the fiber 2, carried out in the monolithic part. Each channel 30 isdefined by at least one portion 40 that, in cross section, entirelysurrounds the fiber 2.

Each channel 30 has, on the opposite side from the stop 50, an openoutlet 70 through which the fiber 2 that it contains passes. The fibers2 protrude from the outlets 70 by a length that can vary from one fiberto another, of the order of about 1 mm or 2 mm. The internal diameter ofeach channel 30 is greater than the largest diameter of the fiber 2 thatit contains.

In this example, the channels 30 are closed in cross section along theirentire length.

The fibers 2 are made of silk in this example. The fibers 2 have alargest diameter of between about 50 and 200 μm.

The support member 10 has a gripping part 60 beyond the stops 50, on theopposite side from the outlets 70 of the channels 30.

The applicator 1 comprises a number n of fibers 2 borne temporarily bythe support member 10. These n fibers 2 have a portion 3 extending infront of the support member 10 when borne by the support member 10, asillustrated. These n fibers 2 comprise at least one group 8 of at most mfibers 2 connected together outside the support member 10, with m<n andm>1. In the example illustrated, the number m=2 exactly and all thefibers are connected in pairs.

Still in this example, the m fibers 2 are connected together at theirend 5. At least two of the m fibers, in this example, all the m fibers,are connected together by gluing, by welding, by melting and/or at leasttwo of the m fibers are formed by folding a single filament 6, as is thecase for the fibers 2 visible in FIG. 2. Specifically, the group 8 inthis figure is formed by a single filament 6, folded in two to form twofibers 2 connected together at their end 5. They form a V with curvedarms.

In this example again, the fibers 2 have nonzero curvatures,substantially different from one another for at least one portion ofthem.

Within the support member 10, the unbonded ends 7 of at least two of them fibers 2 are kept apart from one another by at least d=1 mm.

The support member 10 may be used for the implementation of the methoddescribed below.

A first step of this process for attaching fibers 2 to an area of humankeratin materials, for example to eyelashes and/or an eyelid, consistsin applying a first adhesive composition to said area, for example a PSAadhesive to the eyelid P. A second step, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,consists in bringing fibers 2 borne by the applicator 1 into contactwith the first adhesive composition. Then, in a third step, theapplicator 1 is moved away from said area, so that the groups 8 offibers 2 adhere, via at least one bonded end portion 5 of the fibers, tosaid area. The result visible in the photograph of FIG. 5 is obtained.

In a possible fourth step, a second adhesive composition, for example acyanoacrylate-based fixing glue, is deposited on at least a portion ofthe fibers 2 adhering to said area.

The method may also comprise a step that follows the first step, ofdrying the first adhesive composition for a time that may be between 1min and 5 min.

After the optional fourth step of depositing the second adhesivecomposition, it is possible to provide a step of combing at least aportion of said fibers 2 adhering to said area, during the setting ofthe second adhesive composition, if necessary.

The method may also comprise additional steps, at the end of the method,consisting in applying a cosmetic product on the eyelashes or eyebrows,in particular a mascara and/or in applying an eyelash curler and/or incarrying out a heat treatment to curl the eyelashes.

The fibers 2 of a group 8 may be connected together by other means. FIG.6 shows a group of two fibers 2 which are connected together by anelement 15 external to the fibers, in particular a link. They form a Uwith arms that are substantially parallel to one another and curved. Thedistance between the fibers 2 at their connected ends 5 is substantiallyequal to the distance between the fibers 2 at their unbonded ends 7.This distance is maintained on the applicator 1 illustrated in FIG. 7,which bears them.

In this example, the support member 10 retains the groups 8 of fibers 2by their unbonded ends 7, for example via an adhesive present on thesurface 16 of the support member 10. The groups 8 are uniformlydistributed over several rows on the surface 16 of the support member10. The gripping portion 60 is a handle. The fibers 2 do not cross oneanother. All the groups 8, as in the previous example, comprise twofibers.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the groups 8 of fibers 2 arearranged in staggered rows on the surface 16.

In the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, the surface 16 of the support member10 is flat. In the example of FIG. 9, the surface 16 is curved, concavetoward the fibers 2.

In the example of FIG. 10, the surface 16 is flat but the groups 8 offibers are arranged along a curved line L on this surface. This can makeit possible to adapt to the curvature of the row of eyelashes.

FIG. 11 shows an example of an assembly according to the invention,comprising, in particular within the same packaging device, for examplein a hermetically sealed package, the first adhesive composition Acontained in a container 150, the applicator 1 with the support member10 bearing the fibers 2 to be attached and the second adhesivecomposition B contained in a container 42.

The first adhesive composition A is for example chosen from the adhesivecomposition for eyelashes from the DUO® eyelash adhesive range, sold byAmerican International Industries, or the one referred to as Daitosol5500 GM, an acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer sold by DAITO KASEIKOGYO. Another suitable first adhesive composition may also be used.

In this nonlimiting example, the container 150 comprises a reservoir 32of the first adhesive composition A, and also a cap 33 equipped with astem 34 bearing an application element 35 at a free end. A wiping member36 is arranged in the neck 37 surmounting the reservoir 32.

The second adhesive composition B may be contained in a similar ordifferent container 42.

The second adhesive composition B may be the Loctite Super-glue 3 PowerFlex gel, sold by Henkel.

The applicator 1 comprises in this example a gripping portion 60 and asupport member 10 with the support surface 16 to which the unbonded ends7 of the fibers 2 are temporarily connected via groups 8 of at least twofibers.

The first adhesive composition A, the second adhesive composition B andthe applicator 1 may be offered for sale separately.

The assembly may also comprise a cosmetic product such as a mascara in areservoir of a container containing a mascara brush or comb, amechanical or heated eyelash curler, a comb or a brush and otheraccessories for treating eyelashes or eyebrows or hair fibers.

The applicator 1 may also be different without departing from the scopeof the invention.

FIG. 12 shows another example of an applicator 1 comprising a stem 101extending along a longitudinal axis X and, at one end of the stem 101,not visible here, a push button which controls, at the other end 102 ofthe stem 101, the opening or closing of a spring 45 located on the stem101, parallel to the axis X. The unbonded ends 7 of the fibers 2 ofgroups 8 are held between the turns of the spring 45 in the closedposition of the spring 45, as illustrated in FIG. 12. When the pushbutton is activated, the spring 45 is moved into the open state whichmakes it possible to release the groups 8 of fibers 2.

In FIG. 12, the applicator 1 also comprises a spring 45, positionedperpendicular to the axis of tweezers 46 and 47, at one end 48 thereof.Bringing the tweezers 46 and 47 together at one end of the tweezersopposite the end 46 makes it possible to move the turns of the spring 45apart so as to release the groups 8 of fibers 2. In contrast, in thespread-apart position of the end of the tweezers opposite the end 46,the fibers 2 are held between the turns of the spring 45, asillustrated.

FIG. 14 illustrates yet another example of an applicator 1 comprisingthe support member 10, represented without the groups of fibers. In thisexample, the applicator 1 comprises a plurality of tubes 105 connectedtogether by articulations 280, forming the channels 30 each intended tocontain a fiber, like the applicator 1 of FIG. 1. All the channels 30 orsome of them may be closed, except for the outlet 70. All the channels30 or some of them may be partially open, in cross section, comprisingan open zone over a portion of their cross section. The articulations280 may be flexible in order to arrange the tubes 105 in a fan shape.

The invention is not limited to the examples that have just beendescribed. In particular, the method may be carried out for attachingfibers to the eyebrows or to the scalp.

1. A cosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratinmaterials, comprising a number n of fibers borne by a support memberthat are separable from the support member during the attachment, thesen fibers having a portion extending in front of the support memberbefore separation of the support member, these n fibers comprising atleast one group of at most m fibers connected together outside thesupport member, with m<n and m>1.
 2. The applicator as claimed in claim1, the m fibers being connected together at their end.
 3. The applicatoras claimed in claim 1, at least two of the m fibers being connectedtogether by gluing, welding or melting.
 4. The applicator as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least two of the m fibers are formed by folding asingle filament.
 5. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in atleast one group, the fibers are connected together by an elementexternal to the fibers.
 6. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe number m of fibers in at least one group is exactly equal to two. 7.The applicator as claimed in claim 1, at least one portion of the fibershaving a nonzero curvature.
 8. The applicator as claimed in claim 1,wherein at least two fibers have different nonzero curvatures.
 9. Theapplicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unbonded ends of at leasttwo of the m fibers are kept at least 1 mm apart from one another on thesupport member.
 10. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, the groups offibers being aligned with one another on the support member over atleast one row.
 11. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesupport member temporarily retains fibers by a mechanical systemcomprising one or more parts that can be moved relative to one another,the mechanical system being configured to move from a configuration forretaining fibers to a configuration for releasing fibers of groups, theforce to be exerted on these groups of fibers in order to release themfrom the applicator being greater in the retaining configuration than inthe releasing configuration.
 12. The applicator as claimed in claim 1,wherein the support member of the fibers comprises at least one channelinto which a fiber of a group is inserted, this channel being defined byat least one portion that, in cross section, entirely surrounds thefiber and has at least one end-of-travel stop that limits the insertionof the fiber.
 13. A method for attaching fibers to an area of humankeratin materials, using an applicator as claimed in claim 1, the methodcomprising the following steps: a) applying a first adhesive compositionto at least one portion of the fibers and/or to said area, b) bringingat least one group of fibers borne by the support member into contactwith said area, c) moving the support member away from said area so thatthe fibers adhere to said area.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 13,wherein said area is constituted by keratin fibers chosen in the groupconsisting of eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair, hair fibers, and/or by theeyelid, the skin of the face, the scalp or the skull.